Rummel FlowCon: the distributor that controls, not just measures
FlowCon is the model in the Rummel multi-circuit distribution family that adjusts the flow itself. In the other models each circuit is set with a hand-operated ball valve, and the system only measures and warns. In FlowCon, by contrast, each circuit has an electronic proportional valve; the control electronics position the valve continuously and automatically to hold the flow or the temperature at the required value.
How does temperature difference control work?
The key function of FlowCon is control of the supply-return temperature difference. The controller compares the supply and return water temperatures of each circuit and adjusts the flow via the proportional valve so that the difference between the two temperatures stays constant. The temperature difference is a direct indicator of the heat that circuit takes from the mold. When the difference is held constant, each circuit draws as much heat from the mold as it needs: more water goes to the circuit in the hot zone, and no unnecessary flow is spent in a circuit with a low heat load.
The result of this approach is the three gains the manufacturer emphasizes: shorter cycle times, energy savings and more stable quality through monitored processes. Because the flow is adjusted automatically when needed, dependence on the operator's valve setting also disappears.
Operating modes
FlowCon can be run in two ways: automatic flow control (the flow set for each circuit is held) or automatic temperature control (the temperature target is reached by adjusting the flow). The flow is measured with a vortex piezoceramic sensor element in the range 1.0–20 L/min; temperature and optional pressure are monitored in every circuit.
A note on the temperature limit
The manufacturer defines the automatic flow and temperature control of FlowCon for applications up to 100 °C; the technical table of the same brochure gives the maximum temperature as 120 °C. We recommend planning the control function for circuits up to 100 °C and clarifying use between 100 and 120 °C together at the quotation stage.
Technical data
| Feature | Value |
|---|
| Circuit control | Electronic proportional valves |
| Mode of operation | Automatic flow or temperature control |
| Measuring principle | Vortex – piezoceramic sensor element |
| Measuring range | 1.0–20 L/min |
| Main distribution connection | 1" female thread |
| Mold circuit connection | 1/2" female thread |
| Material | Parts in contact with the medium in brass and stainless steel |
| Seal | FKM (Viton) |
| Medium | Water |
| Control temperature | Up to 100 °C |
| Max. temperature (technical table) | 120 °C |
| Max. operating pressure | 10 bar |
| Modular design | Manifold with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 stations; up to 100 circuits by cascade connection |
When FlowCon?
In molds with many circuits where the heat load varies markedly from zone to zone, for example parts that combine thick and thin walls, a manual valve setting either overcools one zone or leaves another one short. FlowCon sets each circuit according to its own heat load. For applications where a manual setting is enough and only monitoring is wanted, FlowBasic is the simpler solution.
Visualization, alarms, and logging of mold parameters and process data are standard on FlowCon as well; interface and screen options are on the control unit and operator panel page.
